The inaugural edition of the Westfield Holiday Bulldog Bash is shaping up to be the finest Girl’s basketball tournament in Northern Virginia. The tournament field boasts of having two schools that in the past have won the Virginia AAA state championship, Gar-field and Robinson High. (Robinson has actually won six state titles under three different coaches, most recently with Dwight Trimmer) Hayfield, just two years ago, participated in the VHSL state tournament, representing the Northern Region. Fairfax High school won two Liberty District titles in 2000 & 2001. Centreville, under new head coach Gus Taylor, is seeking to return to the hardwood glories of the early nineties. Osbourn Park is also seeking to improve its fortunes, behind the leadership of Coach Nemerow, while third year schools Forest Park and Westfield feel like they are ready to begin competing for post season honors.
In the first game of the Tournament (1 PM), Fairfax vs. Robinson, the Robinson Rams bring a veteran laden squad, under the direction of first year coach Jim Spirodopoulos. Leading the way for the Rams are a pair of seniors Tiffany McCain and Cassie Hammonds. Providing backcourt savvy is precocious point guard, Jessica Spicer. Coach Nancy Melnick, entering her third year at Fairfax, has an outstanding leader, in point guard Mallory Carrico. Mallory is always a threat from “three point land”, and can take it to the “hoop” as well. An emerging star for the Rebels is Stephanie Jones who is “taking care of business” on the baseline.
Game two (3 PM) features a team that is always considered when the “experts” talk about potential state finalist, that squad being Gar-Field. Facing off against the Indians are the Centreville Wildcats, led by coach Gus Taylor. As usual, Coach Baker’s Indians, feature a balanced attack led by among others, versatile 6’1”, Tina Roebuck. Countering Gar-Fields strength on the baseline, the Wildcats feature a lightening quick backcourt, and are led by seniors Katie Dolan and Brittany Dunn. (Brittany will attend Loyola College of Baltimore on scholarship in 2003.)
Game three (5 PM) promises to be the most exciting contest of the day, matching up two explosive squads; the Hayfield Hawks and Prince Williams County’s, Forest Park. The Hawks, under the direction of Aggie McCormick-Dix, are an exciting team to watch, led by two veterans of their state tournament squad from two years ago; Iyan Napier and Deanna Kowalczyk. Forest Park has already put 90 points up on the board once this year and behind their suffocating defensive pressure will probably do so several more times before the season is over.
In the “night cap” (7 PM), Osbourn Park will face off against the host school, Westfield. The two teams last met in the 2002 consolation round of the Oakton Holiday Tournament, in a game, which featured some tight defense. This year, fans will probably be treated to some more of that “stifling” defense, but since both squads return virtually everyone from their 2002 squads, the offense should be much improved.
So, for the girls’ basketball fan who enjoys scoring, defense, rebounding, passing, and excellent coaching the only place to be this December 26, 27, & 28th is the “Dog Pound” at Westfield High. Regardless of who wins the tournament, all basketball fans will be treated to an excellent display of skill and intensity! Get ready for a “thrill filled” three days of basketball!
